The Best Neighborhoods in Bangkok for Families

Planning a trip to the Land of Smiles with the kids? While most Bangkok neighborhoods are well connected by public transport and have a range of places to eat, have fun, and sleep, some parts of the city are more family friendly than others. Here are the best Bangkok areas for families.

Siam

Right in the heart of Bangkok and conveniently located for the BTS network, the glitzy shopping area of Siam might not immediately spring to mind as being a top place for a family stay. However, many of the malls have awesome displays, which are sure to captivate young minds, and there are great food courts, street food options, and chain restaurants to suit even the pickiest eaters.

Plus, there are excellent activities for kids right on the doorstep, including Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, Madame Tussauds, and KidZania. Opt for a Siam hotel with a pool and your little ones are sure to thank you even more. The night scene is fairly tame in Siam, meaning that there will hopefully be few awkward questions to answer and not so much noise to keep you awake at night.

Sukhumvit

While the lower-numbered streets of Sukhumvit aren’t the best for families, the middle of the long road and higher-numbered sois (streets) can be perfect for a family stay. There are many places to eat, drink, shop, and sleep, and the area has a handful of interesting things to see and do.

The sky train connects this part of the city, making it easy to get around. Just try to avoid traveling during rush hour to beat the crowds. Child-friendly activities include cinemas, play areas, and escape games. Dinosaur Planet Theme Park is an educational and fun experience for people of all ages. There are two excellent parks where your kids can run, play, and let off steam too.

Phra Khanong

Largely a residential area, Phra Khanong is peaceful with local vibes. There are small locally run restaurants and markets to discover, and the area’s street art will capture imaginations of old and young alike. It’s a great place for your family to feel immersed in Thai life, while staying outside of the city’s hustle and bustle. The Skytrain makes it easy to get into the city for sightseeing and adventures.

This side of the city is also ideal for getting to the beautiful Erawan Museum, a marvelous museum with stunning grounds, beautiful colors, and a whimsical building topped with a gigantic three-headed elephant. Continue down into neighboring Samut Prakan Province and your family can enjoy varied days out. Visit the crocodile farm and zoo, and explore Thailand at Mueang Boran; also known as Mini Siam, it is home to fascinating replicas of many of Thailand’s major buildings. The coastal area of Bangpoo, which is known for its vibrant bird life and mangroves, is another top spot for a day trip.

Chatuchak

A little out of the city, Chatuchak is a terrific family base for people planning to spend a little longer in Bangkok. The area has all the conveniences that you could need, including a range of eateries, shops, markets, and supermarkets. While many tourists descend on the area during weekends, eager to bag a bargain at the enormous Chatuchak Weekend Market, weekdays are relatively calm and peaceful.

There are many open green spaces to explore, including Chatuchak Park, Rot Fai Park, and Queen Sirikit Park. Renting bicycles is a great way to get around the large leafy parks. Children are sure to enjoy the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and older kids can have fun at the local go-kart track. The close proximity to the Northern Bus Station makes day trips to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and monkey-filled Lopburi a breeze. Plus, the heart of Bangkok is just a short ride away on the BTS Skytrain.

Banglamphu

While not the most child-friendly part of Bangkok, if time is limited and you plan on hitting up many of Bangkok’s cultural sights, staying in the heart of the old city will minimize traveling time and make exploring easy. Many major sights, like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (across the river on the Thonburi side), and the National Museum are all close to each other.

There are many tuk tuks for exploring the area, a great experience for children, and kids are also sure to love hopping on and off river ferries. There are plentiful places to eat a range of cuisine, accommodation options are varied, and you’ll find several excellent hotels with pools—always a winner for families!

Riverside

Offering a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere than many other parts of the frenetic Thai capital, Riverside is a terrific family base for those who want more of a relaxed holiday vibe. Take a boat trip around the canals for a glimpse of the Bangkok of old, take the kids to floating markets, and enjoy diverse leisure, dining, and entertainment options at Asiatique. The big wheel at the evening market is also sure to appeal to all members of the family, and there is a selection of small kiddie rides too.

Bangkok’s old city is just a short boat ride away. Nightlife is low key, meaning fewer disturbances, and there’s a good range of family-friendly resorts and hotels. If you’re looking for accommodation with kids’ clubs, swimming pools, gardens, tennis courts, fitness centers, wellness facilities, onsite dining, and other such amenities, Riverside won’t disappoint.